US and Cote d'Ivoire sign $550M trade deals, SA to use AI to plug tax hole
Africa AI News weekly digest...
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s issue of Africa AI News – Weekly News Digest.
Lots of news this week, with a number of major tech funding initiatives into Africa, notably the $550 million in trade deals focused on tech infrastructure in Cote d’Ivoire, which has been quietly making great leaps in modernising its economy. The US has made this country a focus for its strategic interest, building a large military base in the north, and recently expanding it to include a drone airfield.
News out of South Africa is that the national revenue service is looking to AI to fill the hole in the fiscus with AI tools to improve tax collection, in particular by mining more data sources for signs of tax avoidance — something AI is particularly suited to. Will this change focus on squeezing the long-suffering middle class to targeting the large-scale under-reporting of large corporates? Let’s hope so.
On with this week’s issue!
/Roger
Investment
US invests $550M in Côte d’Ivoire infrastructure and AI ecosystem
#CôtedIvoire #FDI — The US signed over $550 million in trade agreements with Côte d’Ivoire focused on energy, digital transition, infrastructure, security, housing and technology. Key partnerships include George Mason University, Cybastion and the Ivorian Ministry of Digital Economy, set to train youth in AI and cybersecurity. This announcement marks a ramping up of the us “Trade Led” approach as it cuts back on aid, announced by Troy Fitrell of the US Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs this week. (We Are Tech Africa)
Ethiopia targets AI growth with Wingu alliance
#Ethiopia #investment — The Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute (EAII) and data centre operator Wingu Africa are partnering to strengthen Ethiopia’s AI sector, identifying and supporting high-potential AI startups with access to Wingu’s data centre, cloud services and global networks while receiving mentoring and business support. (CBS 42)
Cassava and Sand partner to scale AI in Africa
#Africa #MoU — Tech and DC operator Cassava Technologies and enterprise AI solutions business Sand Technologies have signed an MoU to expand AI solutions and GPU-as-a-service across Africa. The deal, announced at the Global AI Summit on Africa in Kigali, aims to make enterprise AI more accessible for African businesses. (Tanzania Times)
Applications
SA tax authority to use AI and big data to hit $110B tax goal
#SouthAfrica #applications #taxation — The South African Revenue Service (SARS) plans to leverage AI and advanced data analytics to meet its 2025/26 revenue target of R1.986 trillion ($110B) set by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana. Key initiatives include enhanced collections by integrating more third-party data sources, combating illicit trade, better systems, and broadening the tax base. (IOL)
Rwanda launches AI tool to boost legal access
#Rwanda #applications #law — Legal tech firm IST Legal has unveiled an AI platform to streamline legal services in Rwanda. Backed by Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, the tool supports legal research, case tracking and automation, and is available in Kinyarwanda, English and French. (AllAfrica)
AI reshaping Nigeria’s built environment sector
#Nigeria #applications — A new Arup survey reveals that 46% of built environment professionals in Nigeria use AI tools daily (global average 36%). AI is most used for design, project management and decision-making, with strong expectations for its role in sustainable urban development. Respondents cited solutions such as waste reduction, sustainable materials and optimising renewable energy. (Down To Earth)
Huawei unveils AI-driven green warehouse in Jo’burg
#SouthAfrica #applications #warehousing — Huawei South Africa has launched a 14,000m² AI-powered green warehouse in Johannesburg, featuring the GEM framework (green energy, e-security and modern logistics) that automates 60% of daily tasks and boosts efficiency by up to 80%. The facility also employs AI-enabled security systems and paperless logistics to modernise operations. (Energize)
Egypt readies AI platform for remote diagnosis
#Egypt #healthcare — Egypt’s General Authority for Healthcare is set to pilot the nation’s first AI-powered platform for remote diagnosis, using WHO treatment protocols, announced Dr. Ahmed El-Sobky, GAH chairman. The initiative aims to boost diagnostic accuracy and speed, as part of a broader effort to digitally transform Egypt’s public health sector. (CairoScene)
Nigeria Electoral Commission sets up AI division
#Nigeria #applications #elections — Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a dedicated AI division within its ICT Department to bolster electoral integrity and innovation. The unit will oversee AI initiatives in voter engagement, decision-making, logistics, and content moderation, aiming to strengthen transparency and trust in democratic processes. (Voice of Nigeria)
Policy
Côte d’Ivoire unveils AI and data strategy
#Côted’Ivoire #policy — Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé in March launched Côte d’Ivoire’s National AI and Data Governance Strategies alongside the $80 million Electronic Administration Support Project (PARAE), a sweeping upgrade to digitise services, boost cybersecurity, and elevate the country as a digital leader in West Africa. (African Development Bank)
In February the country hosted it’s first International Exhibition on Artificial Intelligence, Defense and Space in Abidjan. (Xinhua)
Ethiopia: PM Abiy Says Africa’s Future Rests on Homegrown AI
#Ethiopia #policy — Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed called for Africa to develop its own AI solutions during ETEX 2025, backing a digital sovereignty vision aligned with Agenda 2063. Ethiopia’s AI drive includes a national AI institute, digital ID and the Five Million Coders initiative. (The Ethiopian Herald)
Lagos State to launch non-binding AI development rules
#Nigeria #policy — Lagos State will issue Nigeria’s first AI guidelines aimed at encouraging ethical development. The guidelines, unveiled by Commissioner Olatubosun Alake, are not legally enforceable but seek to guide tech companies and developers. The announcement coincided with the debut of Singapore-based Dyna.Ai in Nigeria. (Ecofin Agency)
AU declares AI a strategic priority for Africa
#Africa #government — The African Union Commission has declared AI a strategic priority at a high-level policy dialogue in Ethiopia with the Ethiopian government and the Institute for Security Studies at the Ethio Tech Expo (ETEX). Leaders from over 40 countries called for greater investment, inclusion, and innovation to advance the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. (African Union)
Rwanda teams up with UAE, Malaysia on AI ecosystem
#Rwanda #UAE #Malaysia #MoU — Rwanda has partnered with the Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the UAE and Malaysia to develop its AI sector. The initiative, signed in Dubai during the recent AI Week, will enhance innovation, governance frameworks, and skills training for AI deployment. (Africa News Agency)
Training
Digital Institute to Train 5 million Nigerians on AI by 2028
#Nigeria #training — The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) plans to train 5 million Nigerians in AI over three years to boost productivity and global competitiveness. The DBI aims to make Nigeria a hub for AI innovation, calling on government bodies to support the initiative. (NAN News)
Rwanda trains judiciary in AI integration
#Rwanda #training #justice — Rwanda is modernising its justice system by incorporating AI and data protection in a two-day national training held in Kigali. Organised by UNESCO, GIZ and the Ministry of Justice, the programme brought together 31 legal experts to review technology’s impact on judicial operations. See related storey in #applications. (KT Press)
Events
GITEX expands to Kenya with major AI and tech event
#Kenya #GITEX — Dubai-based GITEX will launch Ai Everything Kenya and GITEX Kenya in Nairobi in May 2026, in partnership with Kenya’s Office of the Special Envoy on Technology and dx⁵ (formerly CIO Africa). The AI sector is projected to add $2.4 billion to Kenya’s GDP and create 300,000 jobs by 2028. (CIO Africa)
[ This newsletter was human foo’d and AI bar’d]